Ford confirms Pilot Super Sport Tires on MKZ are an option package

Auto-information site Edmunds.com recently found that a borrowed 2013 Lincoln MKZ AWD was equipped with high-performance tires and accused the company of gaming the media with their test car. The fitted Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires (245/40ZR19) are more typically found on super-expensive exotica like the BMW M5 and Ferrari 599, not $45,000 luxury sedans.

With those tires, rather than the standard, efficiency-biased Michelin Primacy MXM4 (245/45R18) tires, the MKZ went through their slalom just 1 mph slower than a Porsche 911 and quicker than a BMW M5.

The implication was that these were special tires fitted to the test car. Ford verified to Consumer Reports that these tires are part of a 19-inch summer handling package available on AWD and Hybrid models. Priced at $1,565, the package includes sport-tuned suspension and steering, along with the larger wheels and tires. Ford would not speculate on the take rate, but we anticipate this being a relatively rare combination. (Most AWD sedan customers are looking for traction and convenience, not seasonal tire changes at a significant cost. Likewise, Hybrid buyers are not likely to pay extra for tires that will probably reduce efficiency.) The LA Times reported being told by a Ford spokesperson that fewer than 1 percent of customers will choose that option, supporting our view.

They still shouldn't have been fitted to IL's test car though (2.0T FWD), since the heavier AWD model probably won't hit the same result in the slalom.

And I still think Lincoln needs a breakthrough car a la original CTS, original G35, B5 A4, XF, etc., and this is definitely not it.

But hey, what do I know? I'm just a hater because I see a company with a ton of potential resting on their laurels. Oh well.
__________2011 M56S | 2007 Z4M Coupe | 2014 Q5 TDI | 1993 MR2 Turbo | 1994 Sentra SE-R NeoVVL

screw edmunds and their opinions.They really believed that Ford is sneaky and would do this just to get some better numbers, as if the media would not notice or speak negatively if they did. Their entire MKZ review was a joke, lambasting the brand in every way, and barely anything about the actual product. And now they are wrong, and certainly no apology will follow......because as you know, if you present it over and over as a potential question, then you are absolved of everything.....except of course all the negativity you perpetuated.

There are plenty of other sources, I will not bother to read Edmunds any more.
*************If it is not broke, keep fixing it until it is.

Does anybody else think Lincoln decided to offer this only after they were lambasted? They're probably only offering it on the top of the line and hybrid models so the take rate will be low. Heck, the OP's post said "(Most AWD sedan customers are looking for traction and convenience, not seasonal tire changes at a significant cost. Likewise, Hybrid buyers are not likely to pay extra for tires that will probably reduce efficiency.)".

They only offered this after they were criticized and I bet the package will be removed next year when everyone forgets about this. Don't you think Lincoln would have proudly announced this car would come with tires that are standard on Ferrari's as a marketing stunt if these tires were part of the package from the start?
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